Widespread Drone Activity Disrupts Danish Airspace
Unidentified drones flew over several Danish airports and military installations overnight from Wednesday, September 24, into Thursday, September 25, 2025, leading to significant disruptions and prompting Danish officials to label the events a 'hybrid attack.' The affected locations include Aalborg Airport, Esbjerg Airport, Sønderborg Airport, and the Skrydstrup Air Base. This follows similar incidents earlier in the week at Copenhagen Airport and Oslo Airport in Norway.
Airport Closures and Official Response
Aalborg Airport, which serves both commercial and military flights, was temporarily closed for several hours due to the drone activity, halting flights. While drones were also observed near Esbjerg and Sønderborg airports, and the Skrydstrup Air Base (home to Denmark's F-16 and F-35 fighter jets), these facilities were not shut down. Additionally, Billund Airport, Denmark's second-largest, experienced a one-hour closure on Wednesday. Danish authorities opted not to neutralize the drones, citing safety concerns.
'Hybrid Attack' and Suspected Perpetrators
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard have characterized the incidents as a 'hybrid attack,' suggesting a 'professional actor' is behind the 'systematic operation.' Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the earlier incident at Copenhagen Airport as 'the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date' and, along with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, has not ruled out Russian involvement. However, Russia has denied any involvement, with its embassy in Copenhagen calling suggestions of its participation 'absurd speculations' and a 'staged provocation.' The stated motive behind such attacks, according to Justice Minister Hummelgaard, is to 'spread fear, create division and frighten us.'
Broader European Context and Future Measures
These drone incursions are part of a series of similar events across Europe, including recent airspace violations in Poland, Romania, and Estonia, which have heightened tensions amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Denmark has informed its NATO allies of its assessment, and the country plans to acquire new capabilities to 'detect' and 'neutralize drones.' While Denmark has not yet invoked NATO's Article 4 for consultations on security concerns, other member states like Poland and Estonia have done so recently following similar incidents.
5 Comments
Fuerza
While the disruptions are significant and security upgrades are crucial, it's important to remember these were incursions without direct violence or physical damage. The psychological impact seems to be the primary objective here.
Manolo Noriega
So, a few drones cause airport closures? Sounds like a security failure.
Fuerza
A staged provocation? Sounds more like it to me.
Ongania
These incidents certainly highlight the need for improved defense capabilities against drones. However, the focus on 'spreading fear' as the motive might overshadow the underlying intelligence gathering or testing of response systems.
Fuerza
Blaming Russia without solid evidence is just fueling tensions.